Wakening electronics in an injection device

ABSTRACT

An injection device including a stopper and an electromechanical switch. The stopper includes an electronics assembly. The electromechanical switch is operable to be activated to power the electronics assembly. The stopper is configured to transition between a first size and a second size to activate the electromechanical switch.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is the national stage entry of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2020/067870, filed on Jun. 25, 2020, and claims priority to Application No. EP 19305891.4, filed on Jul. 1, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is directed to awakening electronics, and more particularly, to awakening electronics in an injection device.

BACKGROUND

Electronically-enabled injection devices assist users in safely administering a medicament and can also enable transmission of treatment data to medical staff. Electronically enabled injection devices include an electronic component configured to provide continuous active sensing and connectivity properties, functions that may require an energy supply. The energy supply can be a battery, which supplies power to the electric component. The configuration of electronically enabled injection devices can limit the capacity of the energy supply, which affects the life of the energy supply.

The life of an electronically enabled injection device can be limited by the life of its energy supply. Some electronically enabled injection devices can be kept on shelves for extended periods of time before being used. Conventional configurations of electronically enabled injection devices can lead to idle drainage of the energy supply, such that, even if the electronically enabled injection device has not been used, long shelf life can exhaust the life of the energy supply. A low battery condition can lead to malfunction of the device, an incorrect dosage, a missed dosage, or it can make the electronically enabled injection device unusable by stopping the operation of the electronic components.

SUMMARY

Implementations of the present disclosure include mechanisms and systems that can extend the life of electronically enabled injection devices by preventing idle drainage of the energy source. In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronically enabled injection device is provided. The injection device includes a stopper that includes an electronics assembly. The stopper is configured to transition between a first size and a second size. The injection device includes an electromechanical switch operable to be activated to power the electronic assembly. The stopper is configured to activate the electromechanical switch when the stopper (transitions between the first size and the second size.

The stopper can be configured to transition between the first size and the second size in response to a change in ambient pressure acting on the stopper.

The electromechanical switch can include a piezo switch. The electromechanical switch can be located on an external surface of the stopper. The electromechanical switch can be disposed inside the stopper.

The injection device can further include a plunger head. When the stopper transitions from the first size to the second size, the plunger head can be configured to apply a force to the electromechanical switch to activate the electromechanical switch. The plunger head can be configured to move from a first location within the injection device to a second location within the injection device to activate the electromechanical switch.

The electronics assembly can include a wireless module and at least one sensor. The electronics assembly can include at least one of: a pressure sensor, a force sensor, or a position sensor.

In at least one other aspect of the present disclosure a method of operating the aforementioned injection device is provided. The method includes causing a change in the ambient pressure acting on the stopper. The change in ambient pressure causes the stopper to transition between the first size and the second size and the transition between the first size and the second size causes the electromechanical switch to be activated to power the electronics assembly.

The injection device can be sealed under vacuum. When the injection device is sealed under vacuum, causing the change in ambient pressure acting on the stopper can include breaking the seal. Causing a change in the ambient pressure acting on the stopper can include attaching a component of the injection device to the injection device. Attaching the component to the injection device can generate a vacuum within the injection device.

The injection device can include a plunger head. When the stopper transitions from the first size to the second size, the plunger head can exert a force on the electromechanical switch to activate the electromechanical switch.

In at least one other aspect of the present disclosure, a medicament injection system is provided. The injection system includes the aforementioned injection device and an external device. The external device includes an external processor configured to communication with the injection device.

Systems in accordance with the present disclosure can include any combination of the aspects and features described herein. That is to say that systems in accordance with the present disclosure are not limited to the combinations of aspects and features specifically described herein, but also include any combination of the aspects and features provided.

The details of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a medicament injection system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a stopper having an electronics assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a stopper transitioning from a first size to a second size in response to a change in pressure acting on the stopper, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A shows a plunger activating an electromechanical switch on a stopper, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B shows a stopper transitioning from a first size to a second size to cause a plunger to activate an electromechanical switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of example computer systems that can be used to execute implementations of the present disclosure.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the present disclosure are generally directed to controlled activation of an energy source of an injection device to prevent idle drainage of the energy source. More particularly, implementations of the present disclosure are directed to injection devices having mechanical means for activating the energy source of the injection device.

In some conventional injection devices having electronic components, the energy source of the injection device can be activated in response to false trigger signals, prior to intended usage of the injection device, leading to idle drainage of the energy source. Accordingly, use of electronic injection devices can be hindered by idle drainage of the energy source. In some conventional injection devices, the activation process of the energy source can take extended periods of time after the injection device is primed. Prolonged activation processes can render these conventional injection devices as being unpractical. Some conventional injection devices can include manual buttons or switches on an external surface of the injection device, which can be operated by a user (for example, by pressing the manual button) to activate the energy source. These buttons or switches require extra actions by the user beyond the actions necessary to operate the device for medicament delivery, which can be burdensome and lead to accidental triggers. Furthermore, these exterior buttons can lead to extraneous electronic wiring and circuitry inside the injection device so that the button can communicate with the energy source.

As described in further detail herein, implementations of the present disclosure address these challenges. For example, in accordance with implementations, the electronic injection device can be quickly (e.g., within seconds) activated in response to actions in which the user of the device already conducts to operate the injection device for medicament delivery (e.g., opening a package, attaching a needle assembly to the injection device, completing a priming step, etc.) to simplify the activation process and prevent idle drainage of the energy source.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an example medicament injection system 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The medicament injection system 100 can be configured to assist a user in injecting a fluid (e.g., a medicament) and facilitate sharing of medical data. The example medicament injection system 100 includes an injection device 102 and an external device 130. The injection device 102 is an electronically enabled injection device configured to prevent idle drainage of an energy source 104. The injection device 102 can be a pre-filled, disposable injection pen or the injection device 102 can be a reusable injection pen with replaceable medicament reservoirs 106. In some implementations, the injection device 102 is capable of communicating with the external device 130. In some implementations, the injection device 102 is capable of transmitting to the external device 130 operational data (for example, data related to time of start of usage of injection device 102 and temperature of injection device 102 during use and storage) and corresponding treatment data (for example, amount of medicament dispensed, elapsed time for medicament to be dispensed by the injection device 102). In some implementations, the injection device 102 is associated with an identifier that is used by the external device 130 to uniquely identify the injection device 102.

The injection device 102 includes a housing 110 and a needle assembly 115. The housing 110 includes an energy source 104, an electronics assembly 105, a medicament reservoir 106, a stopper 107, a plunger rod 108, a plunger head 109, a priming component (for example, dosage knob) 112, a dosage window 114, and an injection button 120. The housing 110 can be molded from a medical grade plastic material such as a thermoplastic polymer or liquid crystal polymer. In some implementations the housing 110 is split into a body part which houses dosing mechanics elements (e.g. the dosage knob) and a cartridge holder part which houses the medicament reservoir 106 and provides a needle hub. In some implementations, the stopper 107 includes at least one of the electronics assembly 105 or the energy source 104.

The medicament reservoir 106 is configured to contain a fluid medicament. The medicament reservoir 106 can be a conventional, generally cylindrical, disposable container like a cartridge or a syringe used to package prepared fluids such as medicaments, anesthetics and the like. In some implementations, the medicament reservoir 106 is provided with a pair of ends, one end having a pierceable membrane, which receives an inward end of needle 113 in sealing engagement. A dose of the contained medicament can be ejected from the injection device 102 by turning the dosage knob 112. The selected dose is displayed via dosage window 114, for instance in multiples of so-called International Units (IU), where one IU is the biological equivalent of about 45.5 micrograms of pure crystalline medicament (e.g., 1/22 mg). An example of a selected dose displayed in dosage window 114 may for instance be 30 IUs, as shown in FIG. 1. In some implementations, the selected dose is displayed differently, for instance by an electronic display (e.g., the dosage window 114 may take the form of an electronic display). Turning the dosage knob 112 can cause a mechanical click sound to provide acoustical feedback to a user. The numbers displayed in dosage window 114 can be printed on a sleeve that is contained in housing 110 and mechanically interacts with a plunger head 109 that is fixed at the end of the plunger rod 108 and pushes the stopper 107 of the medicament reservoir 106.

The plunger head 109 (for example, a back end of the plunger rod 108) is operable to expel a portion of the fluid by displacing the stopper 107 within the medicament reservoir 106, such that a position of the stopper 107 is associated with an amount of the fluid within the injection device 102. The plunger rod 108 is mounted to the plunger head 109. However, in some implementations, the plunger rod 108 and the plunger head 109 are separate components. In some implementations, the plunger head 109 is mounted to the stopper 107.

The stopper 107 is a flexible stopper, such as a rubber stopper. The stopper 107 can include a rigid member surrounding the stopper 107. In some implementations, the stopper 107 is a rigid stopper with a sealing component. The stopper 107 can have an outwardly projecting rim matching the geometry and dimensions of the energy source 104. In some implementations where the stopper 107 is a flexible stopper, the stopper 107 is capable of transitioning between a first size and a second size in response to a change in pressure acting on the stopper 107. For example, the stopper 107 can be in a contracted state (first size) when the stopper is sealed in a vacuum condition, and then transition to an expanded state (second size) when the vacuum seal is broken and the stopper 107 experiences normal atmospheric pressure conditions. The stopper 107 can be of a sufficient length so that the stopper 107 is not ripped or twisted when being engaged by the plunger head 109. In some implementations, the stopper 107 includes the energy source 104 and the electronics assembly 105, among other components, as described in more detail below. Consequently, the stopper 107 can include sufficient volume to house these components.

The electronics assembly 105 includes one or more sensors 128 b. In some implementations, the one or more sensors 128 b include at least one of a force sensor, a pressure sensor, or a position sensor. In some implementations, the energy source 104 provides minimal power for allowing the one or more sensors 128 b enough power to operate sufficiently. In some implementations, the one or more sensors 128 b have a separate power source, or have their own power source. As will be discussed later in more detail with reference to FIG. 2, in some implementations, the electronics assembly 105 is capable of detecting an amount of medicament expelled from the injection device 102 based on signals generated by the one or more sensors 128 b. The electronics assembly 105 also includes an electromechanical switch 127. The electromechanical switch 127 is an electrical switch, such as a piezo switch, that is capable of generating an electrical charge based on a force being applied to the switch 127 (that is, upon activation of the switch 127). In some implementations, the electromechanical switch 127 is located on an inner surface of the stopper 107. In other implementations, the electromechanical switch 127 is located on an external surface of the stopper 107.

The energy source 104 can be a disposable or rechargeable battery, such as a 1.5V-5 V silver-oxide or lithium battery (e.g., SR626, SR516, SR416) or a super capacitor. In some implementations, the energy source 104 includes a plurality of batteries (e.g., two 1.5V batteries). The energy source 104 is communicatively coupled to the electromechanical switch 127. As will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3A-6, the energy source 104 is configured to be activated by the electromechanical switch 107. The energy source 104 is configured to supply energy to the electronics assembly 105 under particular conditions, such as after being activated.

The electronics assembly 105 includes one or more electronic components configured to perform and/or assist with one or more functions of the injection device 102 (for example, the ejection of the medicament) upon activation of the energy source 104. For example, the electronics assembly 105 can include one or more processors 128 a, one or more sensors 128 b, an antenna 128 c, and a motor 128 d. In some implementations, the motor 128 d is configured to advance in micro-step increments to dispense a particular amount of medicament. In some implementations, the one or more sensors 128 b are configured to provide, to the one or more processors 128 a, a signal (for example, a voltage), which is proportional to the amount of medicament dispensed or amount of medicament remaining in the medicament reservoir 106.

In some implementations, the one or more processors 128 a include a microprocessor. In some implementations, the microprocessor is a microcontroller, for example, a combination of microprocessor components and other components formed in a single package. The microprocessor can be an arithmetic and/or a logic unit array. The one or more processors 128 a are capable of processing one or more signals received from the other electronic components of the electronics assembly 105 (such as the sensors 128 b) and transmitting a signal to the antenna 128 c. For example, the one or more processors 128 a can be configured to execute operations on received data to generate output data. In some implementations, the one or more processors 128 a are capable of determining the amount of the fluid within the injection device 102 based at least in part on an electrical signal, and transmitting the data including information related to the amount of the fluid to the antenna 128 c, which can then transmit it to the external device 130.

The antenna 128 c can be a Bluetooth or near-field communication (NFC) antenna. The antenna 128 c is capable of transmitting signals to the one or more processors 128 a and to the external device 130. For example, the signals transmitted by the antenna 128 c can include the amount of the fluid in the medicament reservoir 106, values measured by each of the one or more sensors 128 b, and the identifier of the injection device 102. A communication field 134 can be a Bluetooth field or an NFC field, generated by the external device 130. The external device 130 can include a Bluetooth or a RF module, a transmitter, a receiver, and an external processor 132. The external processor 132 can be configured to process the data transmitted by the injection device 102. The external device 130 can be configured to display (e.g., through a graphical user interface) the data received from the injection device 102 and processed by the external processor 132.

The needle assembly 115 includes a needle 113 capable of being affixed to the needle hub of housing 110. The needle 113 can be covered by an inner needle cap 116 and an outer needle cap 117, which in turn can be covered by a cap 118. When the needle 113 is inserted into a skin portion of a patient, and then injection button 120 is pushed, the medicament dose displayed in dosage window 114 is ejected from injection device 102. When the needle 113 of injection device 102 remains for a certain time in the skin portion after the injection button 120 is pushed, a high percentage (e.g., more than 90%) of the dose can be injected into the patient's body. Ejection of the medicament dose can generate a mechanical click sound, which can be different from the sounds produced when using dosage knob 112.

The injection device 102 can be used for several injection processes until either the medicament reservoir 106 is empty or the expiration date of the injection device 102 (for example, 28 days after the first use) is reached. Before using the injection device 102 for the first time, it may be necessary to perform a priming operation to couple the energy source 104 to the electric component and/or to remove air from medicament reservoir 106 and needle 113. For instance, the priming operation can include selecting two units of medicament and pressing the injection button 120 while holding injection device 102 with the needle 113 upwards.

In some implementations, the electronic components of the electronics assembly 105 are integrated within the housing 110 at a single location, or at multiple locations (for example, within or attached to a plunger rod 108, and a cavity in the plunger head 109). In some implementations, one or more components of the electronics assembly 105 are included within the stopper 107. In some implementations, one or more components of the electronics assembly 105 are included within the plunger head 109.

In some implementations, at least one of the location of the energy source 104, or the location of one or more electronic components of the electronics assembly 105, are selected independent from the coupling between the electronics assembly 105 and the energy source 104. In some implementations, one or more characteristics of one or more electronic components of the electronics assembly 105, or one or more characteristics of the energy source 104, are selected to couple or uncouple the electronics assembly 105 from the energy source 104.

In some implementations, the housing 110 of the injection device 102 is configured to be separated or broken in multiple segments to provide a user access to the energy source 104, to enable separate disposal of the energy source 104. In some implementations, the medicament reservoir 106 to be assembled with the injection device 102 is manufactured with an inserted stopper 107, is filled with the fluid medicament, and is closed with a crimp seal.

In some implementations, during the manufacturing and storage of the medicament reservoir 106 and prior to assembly with the injection device 102, the energy source 104 is not activated. By keeping the energy source 104 deactivated, excessive idle drainage of energy may not occur during manufacturing and potential long storage of the medicament reservoir 106. In a subsequent step of using the injection device 104 (as described in more detail later, with reference to FIGS. 3A-4B), the energy source 104 of the injection device 102 is activated by the electromechanical switch 127 to power the electronics assembly 105. In some implementations, the energy source 104 is connected to the electronics assembly 105 to enable controls of functionality of the injection device 102 upon receipt of an activation signal. In some implementations, the energy source 104 is temporarily activated during assembly to confirm proper operation of the injection device 102 and the electronics assembly 105. Connection to the energy source 104 as manufacturing step allows to wake-up the electronics assembly 105 and to generate feedback signals that confirm proper system functionality. After performing such in-process controls, the energy source 104 may be disconnected again, or the electronics assembly 105 may be set in a sleep-mode through appropriate software features that reduce energy consumption until the energy source 104 is activated.

FIG. 2 illustrates a stopper 207 having an electronics assembly 210, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the stopper 107 discussed previously with reference to FIG. 1 is substantially similar to the stopper 207 shown in FIG. 2. The stopper 207 includes an expandable rubber material (for example, neoprene, M18, silicone rubber, etc.). The stopper 207 includes an electronics assembly 210. In some implementations, the electronics assembly 105 discussed previously with reference to FIG. 1 is substantially similar to the electronics assembly 210 shown in FIG. 2.

The electronics assembly 210 includes a pressure or force sensor 215, a position sensor 216, a processor 213, a memory 214, a wireless module 211, and a power module 211. The pressure or force sensor 215 and position sensor 216 are arranged in the electronics assembly 210 such that, when the electronics assembly 210 is disposed in the stopper 207, the position sensor 216 is able to send and receive a sensing signal into the inner volume of the medicament reservoir 106 or otherwise detect the position of the stopper 207 or the plunger rod 108 (or plunger head 109), and the pressure or force sensor 215 is able to measure the force applied to the stopper 207 (or the electronics assembly 210) via the plunger head 109 of the injection device 102 or otherwise to detect the pressure in the plunger rod 108. The processor 213 is operably coupled to all of the elements of the electronics assembly 210 and controls activation of the pressure sensor 215, the position sensor 216, and the wireless module 211. The memory 214 stores instructions for use by the processor 213 in operating the components of the electronics assembly 210.

While FIG. 2 illustrates the electronics assembly 210 in the stopper 207 with the pressure or force sensor 215 integral to the electronics assembly 210, in other instances the pressure or force sensor 215 is external to the electronics assembly 210 (e.g., located at the point of contact by the plunger rod 108, attached to the plunger rod 108 itself, etc.). While FIG. 2 shows the electronics assembly 210 inside the stopper 207, in some implementations the electronics assembly 210, with or with an internal pressure or force sensor 215, is located elsewhere in the injection device 102 such that it is capable of receiving a signal from the pressure or force sensor 215.

The wireless module 211 is configured to communicate with an external electronic device in order to communicate information from the electronics assembly 210. In some implementations, the wireless module 211 includes an antenna (or transceiver), such as the antenna 128 c discussed previously with reference to FIG. 1. The power module 212 includes an energy source, such as the energy source 104 discussed previously with reference to FIG. 1, and is configured to provide electric power to the all of the components of the electronics assembly 210. The power module 212 also includes an electromechanical switch 410, which can be substantially similar to the electromechanical switch 127 discussed earlier with reference to FIG. 1. The electromechanical switch is configured to activate the power module 212 upon the application of a force on the electromechanical switch 410. For example, when a force is applied to the electromechanical switch 410, the electromechanical switch 410 can become activated to generate and transmit an electric signal, which can be received by the power module 212. When the power module 212 receives the electric signal, it becomes activated. Upon activation, the power module 212 provides electric power to the components of the electronics assembly 210. In some implementations, the electronics assembly 210 includes a capacitive device, which includes capacitive circuitry configured to receive power wirelessly from, for example, a smartphone via a nearfield communication protocol (NFC) signal, or by a typical wireless charging device with other means of inductive loading, in order to provide energy to the power module 210.

While FIG. 2 illustrates the electronics assembly 210 including a wireless module 211, in some instances there is no wireless connectivity, and injection device 102 or the electronics assembly 210 itself contains an alert mechanism configured to visually or audibly alert a user or provide certain information to a user. For example, a representative alert mechanism could be a display or series or LED lights arranged to illuminate a different color to a user based on the sensed pressure or force signal and a determined indication of the quality of a drug delivery operation. For instances, a blue light could indicate that the device is ready to use, an orange light could be illuminated while the drug delivery device is conducting the drug delivery operation, and then a green or red light could come on at the sensed completion of the drug delivery operation to indicate a successful or failed delivery operation, respectively. In other instances, the alert mechanism could produce different sounds or beeps to convey the same or different information as the visual alert mechanism.

The electronics assembly 210, through the use of the sensors 215,216, can detect an amount of medicament expelled from the injection device 102. For example, through the use of the position sensor 216, the electronics assembly 210 can detect the location of the stopper 207 in the medicament reservoir 106 (or a change of location), and based on this information, determine an amount of medicament expelled. Additionally, or alternatively, the electronics assembly 210 can use the force (or pressure) sensor 215 to determine how much force is being applied to the stopper 207 (or an amount of time the force is being applied to the stopper 207) to determine an amount of medicament expelled.

As briefly described above, in some implementations, the switch 410 can be activated to power the electronics assembly 210 by a user performing a function that the user already performs during the operation of the injection device 102 for dispensing a medicament (for example, operating the plunger rod 108 or opening a sealed package that includes the injection device 102), such that additional steps (for example, manually pushing an additional push-button) may not be necessary to power the electronics assembly 210.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a stopper 207 transitioning from a first size to a second size in response to a change in pressure acting on the stopper 207, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The injection device is vacuum sealed within a packaging 402. The packaging 402 may have a cut-out that is sized and shaped to accommodate the injection device 102 such that the injection device 102 can sit in the packaging 402 (for example, tightly). The packaging 402 can include a wrapping (for example, plastic or paper) that must be removed before the packaging 402 can be opened and the injection device 102 can be removed. In some implementations, the packaging 402 (or wrapping) includes a material that is resistant to temperature changes. For example, the packaging 402 may cause the temperature within to remain below approximately 7° C. When the packaging 402 is closed and the wrapping is in place, the injection device 102 may remain at a temperature below 7° C.

Referring to FIG. 3A, when the injection device 102 is under a vacuum seal in the packing 402, the stopper 207 is in an expanded state (first size). In the shown embodiment, the electromechanical switch 410 is disposed inside the stopper 207, proximate to a surface 207 a of the stopper 207. The switch 410 has not been activated.

Referring to FIG. 3B, when a user causes a perforation 402 a in the packaging 402, the vacuum seal is broken and the injection device experiences normal atmospheric pressure conditions. This causes the stopper 207 to contract (second size). When the stopper 207 contracts, the surface 207 a of the stopper 207 applies force to the electromechanical switch 410, causing the switch 410 to be activated. Once activated, the switch 410 powers the electronics assembly 210 by activating the energy source 104.

FIG. 4A shows a plunger activating an electromechanical switch 410 on a stopper 207, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In operating the injection device 102, a user may typically prime the injection device 102 before using the injection device 102 to deliver medicament into the user's body. Priming the injection device 102 can include removing the air from the injection device 102 by actuating the plunger rod 108 to cause the plunger head 109 to contact the stopper 207. As shown in FIG. 4A, in some implementations, the electromechanical switch 410 is positioned on the stopper 207 such that when the user primes the injection device 102, the plunger head 109 applies a force to the electromechanical switch 410 to activate the switch 410 and, thus, power the electronics assembly 210.

While FIG. 4A shows that the electromechanical switch 410 is positioned on an external surface of the stopper 207, in some implementations, the electromechanical switch 410 is positioned on an external surface of the stopper 207, such as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. In these instances, the plunger head 109 is capable of causing the electromechanical switch 410 to become activated. For example, the plunger head 109 can apply a force to the stopper 207 to depress the surface of the stopper 207 proximate to the electromechanical switch 410, causing the surface of the stopper 207 to contact the electromechanical switch 410 and activate the switch 410.

FIG. 4B shows a stopper 207 transitioning from a first size to a second size to cause a plunger head 109 to activate an electromechanical switch 410, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When operating the injection device 102, a user may be required to attach components of the injection device 102 to the injection device 102. For example, the user may be required to attach the needle assembly 115 or the cap 118 to the injection device 102. Attachment of these components can create a vacuum seal within the injection device 102. As indicated previously, the change in pressure acting on the stopper 207 can cause the stopper 207 to transition from a first size (in this instance, a contracted state) to a second size (in this instance, an expanded state). As shown in FIG. 4B, in some implementations, the electromechanical switch 410 is arranged on an external surface of the stopper 207. The plunger head 109 is arranged to be in close proximity to the stopper 207, such that when the vacuum seal is created, the stopper 207 is caused to transition from the contracted state to the expanded state. When the stopper 207 transitions to the expanded state, the electromechanical switch 410 is caused to contact the plunger head 109. Consequently, the plunger head 109 applies a force to the electromechanical switch 410, causing the switch 410 to become activated and power the electronics assembly 210.

While various possible techniques for causing the injection device 102 to awaken have been described, others are also possible. In some implementations, the injection device 102 may be provided with a docking station that is configured to allow the injection device to mount in an upright position. Placing the injection device 102 in the mounting station for the first time can cause an activation signal to be provided to the energy source 104. In some implementations, the docking station may also be equipped with connectivity to the injection device 102 electronics assembly 105 as well as to a WiFi network in a household. In some implementations, capacitive means, NFC, magnetic switches or other technologies could be implemented to cause the energy source 104 to become activated, and such interaction could be easily implemented because two devices are permitted to interact.

In some implementations, a pull tab may be positioned proximate to the energy source 104 such that power is prevented from fully flowing through the injection device 102 while the pull tab is in place. Prior to first use, the user could remove the pull tab, thereby causing the injection device 102 to awake from a sleep state and achieve full functionality.

In some implementations, a manual switch may be provided on the injection device 102. Prior to first use, the user can press/flip the switch, thereby causing the activation signal to be provided to the energy source 104 and causing the device to awaken from its sleep state. In some implementations, the switch may be a touch button (e.g., a capacitive touch button).

In some implementations, a separate device (e.g., the external device 130 of FIG. 1) may be used to cause the energy source 104 to awaken from its sleep state. For example, the external device 130 may be a smart phone or a tablet that the patient can interact with to cause the injection device 102 to awaken. The external device can communicate with the injection device via the antenna 128 c (e.g., over a short-range wireless protocol such as WiFi, NFC, RFID, etc.). In particular, the external device 130 may form a connection with the injection device 102, the user can interact with the external device 130 to instruct the external device 130 to cause the injection device to awaken, the external device 130 can provide an activation signal to the injection device 102, and the user can then use the injection device for the first time.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an example computing system 500. The system 500 can be used for the operations described in association with the implementations described herein. For example, the system 500 may be included in any or all of the server components discussed herein. The system 500 includes a processor 510, a memory 520, a storage device 530, and an input/output device 540. Each of the components 510, 520, 530, and 540 are interconnected using a system bus 550. The processor 510 is capable of processing instructions for execution within the system 500. In one implementation, the processor 510 is a single-threaded processor. In another implementation, the processor 510 is a multi-threaded processor. The processor 510 is capable of processing instructions stored in the memory 520 or on the storage device 530 to display graphical information for a user interface on the input/output device 540.

The memory 520 stores information within the system 500. In one implementation, the memory 520 is a computer-readable medium. In one implementation, the memory 520 is a volatile memory unit. In another implementation, the memory 520 is a non-volatile memory unit. The storage device 530 is capable of providing mass storage for the system 500. In one implementation, the storage device 530 is a computer-readable medium. In various different implementations, the storage device 530 may be a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device. The input/output device 540 provides input/output operations for the system 500. In one implementation, the input/output device 540 includes a keyboard and/or pointing device. In another implementation, the input/output device 540 includes a display unit for displaying graphical user interfaces that enable a user to access data related to an item that is collected, stored and queried as described with reference to FIGS. 1-4B.

The features described can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. The apparatus can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device, for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the described implementations by operating on input data and generating output. The described features can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. A computer program is a set of instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructions include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and the sole processor or one of multiple processors of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits).

To provide for interaction with a user, the features can be implemented on a computer having a display device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball by which the user can provide input to the computer.

The features can be implemented in a computer system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, such as an application server or an Internet server, or that includes a front-end component, such as a client computer having a graphical user interface or an Internet browser, or any combination of them. The components of the system can be connected by any form or medium of digital data communication such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include, e.g., a LAN, a WAN, and the computers and networks forming the Internet.

The computer system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a network, such as the described one. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

In addition, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In addition, other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

The terms “drug” or “medicament” are used herein to describe one or more pharmaceutically active compounds. As described below, a drug or medicament can include at least one small or large molecule, or combinations thereof, in various types of formulations, for the treatment of one or more diseases. Exemplary pharmaceutically active compounds may include small molecules; polypeptides, peptides and proteins (e.g., hormones, growth factors, antibodies, antibody fragments, and enzymes); carbohydrates and polysaccharides; and nucleic acids, double or single stranded DNA (including naked and cDNA), RNA, antisense nucleic acids such as antisense DNA and RNA, small interfering RNA (siRNA), ribozymes, genes, and oligonucleotides. Nucleic acids may be incorporated into molecular delivery systems such as vectors, plasmids, or liposomes. Mixtures of one or more of these drugs are also contemplated.

The term “injection device” shall encompass any type of device or system configured to dispense a volume of a drug into a human or animal body. The volume can typically range from about 0.5 ml to about 10 ml. Without limitation, the drug delivery device may include a syringe, needle safety system, pen injector, auto injector, large-volume device (LVD), pump, perfusion system, or other device configured for subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravascular delivery of the drug. Such devices often include a needle, wherein the needle can include a small gauge needle (e.g., greater than about 24 gauge, and including 27, 29, or 31 gauge).

In combination with a specific drug, the presently described devices may also be customized in order to operate within required parameters. For example, within a certain time period (e.g., about 3 to about 20 seconds for injectors, and about 5 minutes to about 60 minutes for an LVD), with a low or minimal level of discomfort, or within certain conditions related to human factors, shelf-life, expiry, biocompatibility, environmental considerations, etc. Such variations can arise due to various factors, such as, for example, a drug ranging in viscosity from about 3 cP to about 50 cP.

The drug or medicament may be contained in a primary package or “drug container” adapted for use with a drug delivery device. The drug container may be, e.g., a cartridge, syringe, reservoir, or other vessel configured to provide a suitable chamber for storage (e.g., short- or long-term storage) of one or more pharmaceutically active compounds. For example, in some instances, the chamber may be designed to store a drug for at least one day (e.g., 1 to at least 30 days). In some instances, the chamber may be designed to store a drug for about 1 month to about 2 years. Storage may occur at room temperature (e.g., about 20° C.), or refrigerated temperatures (e.g., from about −3° C. to about 3° C.). In some instances, the drug container may be or may include a dual-chamber cartridge configured to store two or more components of a drug formulation (e.g., a drug and a diluent, or two different types of drugs) separately, one in each chamber. In such instances, the two chambers of the dual-chamber cartridge may be configured to allow mixing between the two or more components of the drug or medicament prior to and/or during dispensing into the human or animal body. For example, the two chambers may be configured such that they are in fluid communication with each other (e.g., by way of a conduit between the two chambers) and allow mixing of the two components when desired by a user prior to dispensing. Alternatively, or in addition, the two chambers may be configured to allow mixing as the components are being dispensed into the human or animal body.

The injection devices and drugs described herein can be used for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of many different types of disorders. Exemplary disorders include, e.g., diabetes mellitus or complications associated with diabetes mellitus such as diabetic retinopathy, thromboembolism disorders such as deep vein or pulmonary thromboembolism. Further exemplary disorders are acute coronary syndrome (ACS), angina, myocardial infarction, cancer, macular degeneration, inflammation, hay fever, atherosclerosis and/or rheumatoid arthritis.

Exemplary drugs for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diabetes mellitus or complications associated with diabetes mellitus include an insulin, e.g., human insulin, or a human insulin analogue or derivative, a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), GLP-1 analogues or GLP-1 receptor agonists, or an analogue or derivative thereof, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, or any mixture thereof. As used herein, the term “derivative” refers to any substance which is sufficiently structurally similar to the original substance so as to have substantially similar functionality or activity (e.g., therapeutic effectiveness).

Exemplary insulin analogues are Gly(A21), Arg(B31), Arg(B32) human insulin (insulin glargine); Lys(B3), Glu(B29) human insulin; Lys(B28), Pro(B29) human insulin; Asp(B28) human insulin; human insulin, wherein proline in position B28 is replaced by Asp, Lys, Leu, Val or Ala and wherein in position B29 Lys may be replaced by Pro; Ala(B26) human insulin; Des(B28-B30) human insulin; Des(B27) human insulin and Des(B30) human insulin.

Exemplary insulin derivatives are, for example, B29-N-myristoyl-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-palmitoyl-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-myristoyl human insulin; B29-N-palmitoyl human insulin; B28-N-myristoyl LysB28ProB29 human insulin; B28-N-palmitoyl-LysB28ProB29 human insulin; B30-N-myristoyl-ThrB29LysB30 human insulin; B30-N-palmitoyl-ThrB29LysB30 human insulin; B29-N—(N-palmitoyl-gamma-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N—(N-lithocholyl-gamma-glutamyl)-des(B30) human insulin; B29-N-(ω-carboxyheptadecanoyl)-des(B30) human insulin and B29-N-(ω-carboxyhepta¬decanoyl) human insulin. Exemplary GLP-1, GLP-1 analogues and GLP-1 receptor agonists are, for example: Lixisenatide/AVE0010/ZP10/Lyxumia, Exenatide/Exendin-4/Byetta/Bydureon/ITCA 650/AC-2993 (a 39 amino acid peptide which is produced by the salivary glands of the Gila monster), Liraglutide/Victoza, Semaglutide, Taspoglutide, Syncria/Albiglutide, Dulaglutide, rExendin-4, CJC-1134-PC, PB-1023, TTP-054, Langlenatide/HM-11260C, CM-3, GLP-1 Eligen, ORMD-0901, NN-9924, NN-9926, NN-9927, Nodexen, Viador-GLP-1, CVX-096, ZYOG-1, ZYD-1, GSK-2374697, DA-3091, MAR-701, MAR709, ZP-2929, ZP-3022, TT-401, BHM-034. MOD-6030, CAM-2036, DA-15864, ARI-2651, ARI-2255, Exenatide-XTEN and Glucagon-Xten.

An exemplary oligonucleotide is, for example: mipomersen/Kynamro, a cholesterol-reducing antisense therapeutic for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia.

Exemplary DPP4 inhibitors are Vildagliptin, Sitagliptin, Denagliptin, Saxagliptin, Berberine.

Exemplary hormones include hypophysis hormones or hypothalamus hormones or regulatory active peptides and their antagonists, such as Gonadotropine (Follitropin, Lutropin, Choriongonadotropin, Menotropin), Somatropine (Somatropin), Desmopressin, Terlipressin, Gonadorelin, Triptorelin, Leuprorelin, Buserelin, Nafarelin, and Goserelin.

Exemplary polysaccharides include a glucosaminoglycane, a hyaluronic acid, a heparin, a low molecular weight heparin or an ultra-low molecular weight heparin or a derivative thereof, or a sulphated polysaccharide, e.g. a poly-sulphated form of the above-mentioned polysaccharides, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. An example of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a poly-sulphated low molecular weight heparin is enoxaparin sodium. An example of a hyaluronic acid derivative is Hylan G-F 20/Synvisc, a sodium hyaluronate.

The term “antibody”, as used herein, refers to an immunoglobulin molecule or an antigen-binding portion thereof. Examples of antigen-binding portions of immunoglobulin molecules include F(ab) and F(ab′)2 fragments, which retain the ability to bind antigen. The antibody can be polyclonal, monoclonal, recombinant, chimeric, de-immunized or humanized, fully human, non-human, (e.g., murine), or single chain antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody has effector function and can fix complement. In some embodiments, the antibody has reduced or no ability to bind an Fc receptor. For example, the antibody can be an isotype or subtype, an antibody fragment or mutant, which does not support binding to an Fc receptor, e.g., it has a mutagenized or deleted Fc receptor binding region.

The terms “fragment” or “antibody fragment” refer to a polypeptide derived from an antibody polypeptide molecule (e.g., an antibody heavy and/or light chain polypeptide) that does not comprise a full-length antibody polypeptide, but that still comprises at least a portion of a full-length antibody polypeptide that is capable of binding to an antigen. Antibody fragments can comprise a cleaved portion of a full length antibody polypeptide, although the term is not limited to such cleaved fragments. Antibody fragments that are useful in the present disclosure include, for example, Fab fragments, F(ab′)2 fragments, scFv (single-chain Fv) fragments, linear antibodies, monospecific or multispecific antibody fragments such as bispecific, trispecific, and multispecific antibodies (e.g., diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies), minibodies, chelating recombinant antibodies, tribodies or bibodies, intrabodies, nanobodies, small modular immunopharmaceuticals (SMIP), binding-domain immunoglobulin fusion proteins, camelized antibodies, and VHH containing antibodies. Additional examples of antigen-binding antibody fragments are known in the art.

The terms “Complementarity-determining region” or “CDR” refer to short polypeptide sequences within the variable region of both heavy and light chain polypeptides that are primarily responsible for mediating specific antigen recognition. The term “framework region” refers to amino acid sequences within the variable region of both heavy and light chain polypeptides that are not CDR sequences, and are primarily responsible for maintaining correct positioning of the CDR sequences to permit antigen binding. Although the framework regions themselves typically do not directly participate in antigen binding, as is known in the art, certain residues within the framework regions of certain antibodies can directly participate in antigen binding or can affect the ability of one or more amino acids in CDRs to interact with antigen.

Exemplary antibodies are anti PCSK-9 mAb (e.g., Alirocumab), anti IL-6 mAb (e.g., Sarilumab), and anti IL-4 mAb (e.g., Dupilumab).

The compounds described herein may be used in pharmaceutical formulations comprising (a) the compound(s) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The compounds may also be used in pharmaceutical formulations that include one or more other active pharmaceutical ingredients or in pharmaceutical formulations in which the present compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is the only active ingredient. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical formulations of the present disclosure encompass any formulation made by admixing a compound described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of any drug described herein are also contemplated for use in drug delivery devices. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are for example acid addition salts and basic salts. Acid addition salts are e.g. HCl or HBr salts. Basic salts are e.g. salts having a cation selected from an alkali or alkaline earth metal, e.g. Na+, or K+, or Ca2+, or an ammonium ion N+(R1)(R2)(R3)(R4), wherein R1 to R4 independently of each other mean: hydrogen, an optionally substituted C1 C6-alkyl group, an optionally substituted C2-C6-alkenyl group, an optionally substituted C6-C10-aryl group, or an optionally substituted C6-C10-heteroaryl group. Further examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are known to those of skill in the arts.

Pharmaceutically acceptable solvates are for example hydrates or alkanolates such as methanolates or ethanolates.

A number of implementations of the present disclosure have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. 

1-15. (canceled)
 16. An injection device comprising: a stopper comprising an electronics assembly, wherein the stopper is configured to transition between a first size and a second size; and an electromechanical switch operable to be activated to power the electronic assembly, wherein the stopper is configured to activate the electromechanical switch as a result of the stopper transitioning between the first size and the second size.
 17. The injection device of claim 16, wherein the stopper is configured to transition between the first size and the second size and activate the electromechanical switch in response to a change in ambient pressure acting on the stopper.
 18. The injection device of any one of claim 16, wherein the electromechanical switch comprises a piezo switch.
 19. The injection device of claim 16, wherein the electromechanical switch is located on an external surface of the stopper.
 20. The injection device of claim 16, wherein the electromechanical switch is disposed inside the stopper.
 21. The injection device of claim 16, further comprising a plunger head, wherein, when the stopper transitions from the first size to the second size, the plunger head is configured to apply a force to the electromechanical switch to activate the electromechanical switch.
 22. The injection device of claim 16, further comprising a plunger head, wherein the plunger head is configured to move from a first location within the injection device to a second location within the injection device to activate the electromechanical switch.
 23. The injection device of claim 16, wherein the electronics assembly comprises a wireless module and at least one sensor.
 24. The injection device of claim 16, wherein the electronics assembly comprises at least one of: a pressure sensor, a force sensor, or a position sensor.
 25. The injection device of claim 16, further comprising a medicament reservoir that contains medicament.
 26. The injection device of claim 16, wherein the injection device is sealed under vacuum, and wherein the stopper transitions from the first size to the second size when the seal is broken.
 27. The injection device of claim 16, wherein the electronics assembly comprises a processor that controls activation of one or more electronic components on the electronic assembly.
 28. The injection device of claim 16, wherein the stopper is made of a flexible material.
 29. A method of operating an injection device, the method comprising: causing a change in ambient pressure acting on a stopper of the injection device, wherein the change in ambient pressure causes the stopper to transition between a first size and a second size, and wherein the transition between the first size and the second size due to the change in ambient pressure causes an electromechanical switch of the injection device to be activated to power an electronics assembly of the injection device.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the injection device) is sealed under vacuum, and wherein causing the change in the ambient pressure comprises breaking the seal.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein causing the change in the ambient pressure acting on the stopper comprises attaching a component of the injection device to the injection device.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the component is a cap or a needle assembly.
 33. The method of claim 29, wherein the injection device comprises a plunger head, and wherein, when the stopper transitions from the first size to the second size, the plunger head exerts a force on the electromechanical switch to activate the electromechanical switch.
 34. A medicament injection system comprising: an injection device comprising a stopper comprising an electronics assembly, wherein the stopper is configured to transition between a first size and a second size, and an electromechanical switch operable to be activated to power the electronic assembly, wherein the stopper is configured to activate the electromechanical switch as a result of the stopper transitioning between the first size and the second size; and an external device comprising an external processor configured to communicate with the injection device.
 35. The medicament injection system of claim 34, wherein the injection device communicates with the external device wirelessly. 